Wilderness can be found the arid deserts, cypress swamps, alpine meadows, sandy beaches, and rocky crags. From Alaska to Florida, wilderness protects some of the most diverse and sensitive habitats in our country. It offers refuge for wildlife and a place to seek connection, inspiration, sustenance, adventure, and more.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park is a hidden North Dakota gem filled with not only an illustrious history but also with miles of badland wilderness. On September 8, 1883, Theodore Roosevelt, who was to become our 26th president, was inspired by the badlands of the Little Missouri River Valley. He wrote volumes of notes to capture his enchantment and curiosity about the wilderness area. Based on his experiences, he was inspired to act, and between 1901 and 1909, he established 230 million acres of public land.
What does wilderness mean to you?
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What Does Wilderness Mean to You? - Sean
To me, wilderness is a big, wild place where everything feels free. It's like a huge adventure waiting to happen, with tall trees, wild animals, and lots of space to explore.
To me, wilderness is a big, wild place where everything feels free. It's like a huge adventure waiting to happen, with tall trees, wild animals, and lots of space to explore. The wind whispers through the leaves, and the birds sing songs that make everything feel peaceful. There are no roads or buildings, just nature doing its thing.
What Does Wilderness Mean to You? - Jean
In the wilderness, it's not just about the beautiful views or the peace.....
In the wilderness, it’s not just about the beautiful views or the peace—it’s about the time we spend together. Wilderness is a gift, a place where we bond as a family and where I get to teach them about the world, but also learn from them. It’s not just about adventure, but about slowing down, taking it all in, and being grateful for the simple joy of being together.
What Does Wilderness Mean to You? - Marc
To me, wilderness represents a vast, untamed space that exists outside of human influence, where nature is free to unfold in its purest form.
To me, wilderness represents a vast, untamed space that exists outside of human influence, where nature is free to unfold in its purest form. It embodies a sense of freedom and mystery, a place where life is raw, beautiful, and unmediated. Wilderness is where the rhythms of the earth—wind, water, and wildlife—are the dominant forces, and humans are just visitors, often humbled by the scale and complexity of the ecosystem.
What Does Wilderness Mean to You? - Stephanie
To me, wilderness is a special place where I get to share time with my two boys, away from the noise and rush of everyday life.
To me, wilderness is a special place where I get to share time with my two boys, away from the noise and rush of everyday life. It's a chance for us to explore together, to breathe in the fresh air, and to just be out in nature, where everything feels simpler and more real. We hike, climb rocks, and splash in streams, laughing and making memories along the way.
What Does Wilderness Mean to You? - Chad
Wilderness is all about freedom—no rules, just nature, and I feel really happy and small in it, like I'm part of something much bigger.
